6.27.2013

How To: Big, Messy Side Braid (3 Ways!)

In the summer, I find myself jumping from one activity to the next, like swimming at the pool and then off to dinner. And if I don't feel like washing and redoing my hair, I'll throw it in a side braid--the messier the better. But I love faking thick hair and making the braid appear big. Today I'm sharing 3 ways to get a Big, Messy Side Braid.

Method 1:
Use a teasing brush or comb and tease your hair. Add some volumizing hairspray too before braiding.

Method 2:
Use a curling wand (or a no-heat curling method) to give some volume to hair before braiding. The smaller the barrel size the better.

Method 3:
Spray dry hair with a beachy waves spray and scrunch hair or allow to air dry to give some texture and volume. You can also apply the spray to your waves from Method 2 for more texture.

Or all 3 at once!

To finish the braid:
Pull hair to one side and divide into three sections.

Slightly and gently twist each section and then braid.

Secure with an elastic and the pull at the braid. I rub my finger and thumb through it section to "fatten" the braid.
If your hair is layered, and you want a cleaner look, secure loose strands with bobby pins. I like spraying them with a little dry shampoo first.

pretty! my hair can only be braided when it's damp because it's so damn thick and "slippery" that everything just falls out and instead of having that messy-put-together look, i just end up looking like a homeless person :(